Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Card & Board Game, Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS
- Developers: Interplay Productions
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess (1991)
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess is a turn-based strategy game developed by Interplay Productions and published by Accolade in 1991. It is the sequel to the popular Battle Chess game, and it features the same unique blend of chess gameplay and animated battles. However, Battle Chess II introduces a new twist by using the rules of Chinese chess, which is a more complex and challenging variant of traditional chess.
Gameplay
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess is played on a 9×10 board, with each player controlling 16 pieces. The pieces are arranged in a similar way to traditional chess, with the pawns in front, the rooks and knights in the middle, and the king and queen in the back. However, there are a few key differences between Chinese chess and traditional chess.
- The board is larger. The 9×10 board gives the pieces more room to move, which makes for a more dynamic and strategic game.
- There are more pieces. In addition to the traditional chess pieces, Chinese chess also includes two new pieces: the cannon and the elephant. The cannon can move any number of spaces horizontally or vertically, but it must jump over another piece to capture. The elephant can move two spaces diagonally, but it cannot move over other pieces.
- The king can move one space in any direction. In traditional chess, the king can only move one space horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. However, in Chinese chess, the king can move one space in any direction, including backwards.
These differences make Chinese chess a more complex and challenging game than traditional chess. However, Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels by providing a variety of difficulty settings.
Graphics and Sound
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess features colorful and detailed graphics that bring the game to life. The pieces are all animated, and they move smoothly across the board. The game also features a variety of sound effects and music that help to create a immersive atmosphere.
Multiplayer
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess can be played against the computer or against another human player. The game supports both local and online multiplayer, so you can play with friends from anywhere in the world.
Reception
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and addictive multiplayer. It was also a hit with chess enthusiasts, who appreciated the game’s faithful recreation of Chinese chess.
Legacy
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess is still considered to be one of the best chess games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. The game has also had a lasting impact on the video game industry, inspiring a number of other chess games and strategy games.
Conclusion
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess is a classic turn-based strategy game that is still enjoyed by players today. The game’s unique blend of chess gameplay and animated battles makes it a lot of fun to play, and the variety of difficulty settings makes it accessible to players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or just looking for a fun and challenging strategy game, Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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